KNAPSACK SPRAYERS GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR USE

Andrew Landers
Cornell University,
NYSAES, Geneva, NY 14456
Scope
This guide covers the measures that must be taken to ensure that the risk of
contamination of personnel and the environment is minimised.
Pesticide Product Label
Read the label carefully and fulfill the legal requirement to comply with its contents
regarding:
crop or pest which may be treated
maximum dose rate of the product
operator protection and training and
environmental protection.
Consider any additional advisory information.
Protective Clothing and Hygiene Requirements
At all times when handling concentrate or dilute pesticide wear not less than the
protective clothing specified on the product label which may include:
Face shield (with anti-mist fluid)
Particle mask (change as recommended by manufacturer)
The following (resistant to the particular pesticide in the circumstances of its use):
Coverall (1 or 2 piece)
Trousers
Hood
Gloves
Boots
Also have:
Adequate washing facilities soap and water, paper towels.
First Aid kit.

Put on and take off protective clothing in an orderly manner avoiding contact with
contaminated surfaces:

On

Gloves
Particle mask
Trousers
Boots
Jacket
Hood
Face shield

Off

Whenever gloves or have to be removed, thoroughly wash their outsides with soap and
water and wipe off surplus moisture before removal.
Always remove gloves before smoking or attending to personal needs. Thoroughly wash
hands in soap and water, and dry well.
At the end of each work period (e.g. before meal breaks):
thoroughly wash the outsides of gloves in soap and water, and wipe off surplus moisture;
thoroughly wash down overalls or 2-piece suit, and wipe off surplus moisture;
remove protective clothing as shown above, hanging the bib and brace overall or 2-piece
suit to dry, and rinsing the gloves in clean water before removal; and
thoroughly wash hands in soap and water, and dry well.
Where reasonably practicable use a running water supply for washing purposes.
Otherwise ensure that different water is used for gloves, for other protective clothing and
for personal washing, and different wash bowls for protective clothes and for personal
washing.
Ensure that washing waste does not contaminate watercourses.
Use disposable paper towels for drying/wiping off surplus moisture.
Always put on, remove, hang to dry and store protective clothing away from places such
as:
restrooms and eating places, stored personal clothing, personnel areas of vehicles and
sources of contamination.
Replace damaged items promptly, especially gloves.
Applicator
Ensure pesticide applicator is in good working order at all times, completely free from
leaks and suitable for the work.
Ensure spares and accessories are available: eg. replacement nozzles; seals; washers;
maintenance tools; calibration equipment.
Planning to Spray

Make a list of emergency services in case of accident.

Always plan thoroughly and in good time.
Do not use pesticides unnecessarily.
Always use the pesticide product which presents least risk to health and the environment
whilst achieving effective weed or pest control.
Check the precise location of any domestic water supply, rivers, streams, ditches or
ponds. Plan to leave a suitable buffer strip to avoid contamination.
Where appropriate inform local bee keepers (see product label) and neighbours in
advance of intent to apply pesticide.
Consider the need to erect Warning Notices for the benefit of the public. See product
label for re-entry stipulations.
Check the work area to locate the position of any hazards, eg. deep ditches or broken
ground.
Identify safe areas for mixing pesticide and diluent, and for filling applicators. Make
provision to deal with accidental spillage eg. absorbent material, shovel, plastic sacks.
Identify area for washing protective clothing and applicators. Make provision for safe
disposal/removal of washings.
Ensure supplies of fresh water will be available for dilution and washing.
(Note: To prevent contamination of water sources water shouldnot be taken directly from
a natural supply, nor should a domestic supply be connected into any spray solution.)
Preparing to Spray
Transport pesticides by a secure means to avoid spillage. Ensure that containers cannot
be damaged. Keep separate from driver and passengers by using vapour-proof bulkhead,
or purpose-made chest or trailer.
Ensure safe storage of pesticides on site. Unless adequately secured against theft, do not
leave unattended or out of your sight. Label all containers clearly, indicating their
contents and any special hazards.
Ensure that food and other personal equipment are placed outside the working area.

Check that the wind speed is within the prescribed limits for the pesticide and crops
concerned with methods of application. Allow for wind direction to avoid risk to water
courses, water supplies, other crops and livestock.
Calibrate the sprayer carefully using plain water, e.g. by selection of nozzle, pressure or
walking speed, to achieve the chosen spray application rate within the approved dose rate
for the product.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Select correct nozzle and pressure for the target

Mark out an area of 10 feet by 10 feet on concrete
Fill sprayer to a level and mark
Spray
Refill to the mark with a graduated vessel
Write down information for future reference

Do not mix more pesticide than can be used during the work period.
Mix strictly in accordance with label instructions.
Never use bare or gloved fingers to clean out residues from concentrate containers.
Replace caps immediately after use.
Ensure that liquids do not splash. Pour slowly with the container opening at the top to
avoid glugging.
Wash out empty liquid concentrate containers, and use the washings to make up the spray
solution.
Handle wettable powders carefully to avoid dust clouds.
Stand so that dust from granules is blown away from you when filling an applicator.
Wash off any contamination by pesticide concentrate immediately.
Puncture or crush empty concentrate containers, but do not obliterate the label.
Spraying
When putting on a knapsack sprayer, stand it on a support or get other assistance to avoid
spillage.
Do not work in your own or someone elses spray drift.
Minimise walking through treated areas.

Ensure that treatment does not contaminate domestic water supplies, streams, rivers or
ponds, neighbouring crops or livestock. Leave a suitable buffer strip.
Stop if you see anyone approaching from the downwind side.
Constantly monitor the workings of your applicator for leaks, mechanical defect, pressure
setting, spray quality.
Depressurise sprayers before carrying out maintenance.
Do not suck or blow through the nozzle or any other part of the applicator to clear
blockages.
Do not take off gloves when removing nozzles.
If you feel unwell, report symptoms and seek medical advice as soon as reasonably
practicable, giving details of the work concerned and the full name of the pesticide
product used.
After Spraying
If there is a surplus dilute pesticide at the end of the day, put it into a clearly labelled
secure container and return it to the store for subsequent use or disposal.
Wash out empty applicators and empty spray solution containers, and dispose of
washings on-site. Ensure that washings do not contaminate watercourses. Wipe down
with clean paper towels. Put used towels in plastic bags for disposal.
Dispose of surplus pesticide, empty containers, and cleaning materials, in accordance
with codes of Practice for the use of Pesticides.
Weather Conditions
Stop operations if the wind speed exceeds the range specified or changes to an unsuitable
direction.
Remember that wearing protective equipment places greater stress on the operator and
weather conditions can increase this. Take extra rest, and stop if you feel unwell.